Private helipad for Narre Warren business angers neighbours
Plans for a helipad on a new Narre Warren office block — in a built-up housing area and close to schools — have been slammed by locals who say it’s a “really strange place” to land the aircraft. But the developer says it’s the “way of the future”.
South East
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Developers in Narre Warren hope to attract high-flying executives to the burgeoning business precinct with a helipad atop their newest building.
Tabak Property Group Pty Ltd has applied for a permit for the chopper landing spot on Casey Towers for clients “who need to get to Moorabbin or Melbourne Airport in a hurry”.
Managing director Josh Tabak said it wouldn’t just be great for business but for the local police, too.
Mr Tabak said helicopters were the “way of the future” and the service would not be used every weekend.
The planning application states it would be for weekend use only between 7am and 10pm and include no more than three landings and three takeoffs per day.
“The helicopters are safe and just like those anywhere in Melbourne or around the world that fly them.”
He said the helicopters wouldn’t cause much of a noise disturbance.
“It’s not as noisy as what people might think – homes around the freeway wouldn’t even hear it.”
Digital Eagles chief executive Ryan Jenkins, whose business is in Victor Cres, said he supported plans for a helipad.
“If it’s going to drive local businesses then I don’t have an issue with it. I do however have concerns about parking in the area,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Parking is shocking – so many people are late for meetings and the council need to look at ways to increase parking spots in the area.”
However, local woman Natasha Hooke has expressed concerns about the helipad plan, fearing ear-splitting noise and a crash risk in a built-up area.
The three-storey Casey Towers will be built at 77-89 Victor Cres Narre Warren which is 900m from Westfield Fountain Gate, near to Don Bosco Catholic Primary School, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish and Quest Apartments.
Ms Hooke, who is part of Don Bosco’s school board and a parishioner at the church, said people had raised concerns about loud noises and safety fears.
“It’s going to be so noisy and impact the church and other businesses surrounding the area,” Ms Hooke said.
“It’s also not far from a residential area – so we just think it’s a really strange place for a helipad. We have fears of an accident occurring and I think council needs to think strongly about this.”
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Casey Council statutory planning and building services manager Duncan Turner said the public notice process was still underway for the application.
“Council will consider all objections received and the merits of the application in due course.
No date has been set for determination of the application,” Mr Turner said.
The Casey Business Park precinct is continually growing as businesses wanting southeast access move in or relocate from the city.
Late last year we revealed how company VentralIP has created a Google-inspired workplace with a wheel of prizes for employees, a hair salon and an in-house chef as part of a growing “entrepreneurial ecosystem” in the southeast.